Jaw pain is not normal
If jaw pain is part of your daily life, it may feel normal to you, but jaw pain is actually not normal. It could be a symptom of TMD affecting one or both of your TMJs, the joints of your lower jaw called Temporomandibular Joints. When these joints or surrounding tissues become diseased or misaligned, inflammation occurs, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
For expert TMJ care, trust your Dental Office Mississauga to help relieve your jaw pain and restore comfort.
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment starts with a thorough clinical exam to assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. We check for pain, tenderness, and listen for clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If diagnosed with TMD, a bite splint or night guard is usually recommended first.
Treatment and Relief
We provide bite splints, custom made plastic mouthpieces designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices prevent grinding and clenching that worsen TMD. They also help realign the jaw and reduce stress in the area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms come from a misaligned bite or missing teeth, orthodontics or restorative dental work may be suggested. If your bite places uneven pressure on your TMJs, reshaping certain teeth to balance the force may help.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ means Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. Problems opening or closing the mouth and clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding sounds when chewing or yawning are common. TMD may be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from jaw injuries, joint disease such as arthritis, or habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) and muscle tension in the head or neck. Stress may also play a role, though it is unclear if it causes TMD or is a result of it. Poorly fitting dentures or habits like fingernail or pen biting can contribute. Because many causes exist, diagnosing TMD can be challenging. Booking an appointment is the best way to understand your symptoms.
Many factors can cause headaches. A physical exam is necessary to determine the cause.
Most TMJ pain is effectively treated with non invasive therapies. Surgery is very rare. Your health and comfort are our priorities. We will discuss all options with you, starting with the safest and easiest, and help you decide the next steps.
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